Committee on Human Relations November 1, 2016 City Council Meeting
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS the United States is a nation founded by immigrants, many fleeing religious persecution, who enshrined freedom of religion as one of our nation's fundamental legal and ethical principles; and
WHEREAS, the history of Islam in the United States began even before its founding, when African Muslims were enslaved and brought to the Americas, where they later helped in numerous ways to build this country, including sacrificing their lives defending the United States of America in every major war from the Revolutionary War on; and
WHEREAS, there are more than 6 million Muslims living in the United States today, with more than 380,000 Muslims living in the greater Chicago area, who make invaluable contributions to our economy, social and political life, and culture; and
WHEREAS, there has been an unprecedented Islamophobic backlash since 9/11, including but not limited to, hate crimes and employment discrimination toward Arab and Muslim Americans and those perceived as Muslims; and
WHEREAS, Arab and Muslim Americans, and those perceived as such, are frequently the targets of abusive and discriminatory, yet sanctioned, police practices including surveillance in their neighborhoods and places of worship; and
WHEREAS, as elected officials we have an obligation to decry the recent escalation of hateful rhetoric against Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and all people of color, including that precipitated by political figures and elected government officials leading this escalation and using it in order to gain power; and
WHEREAS, in the face of extreme bigotry and violence, Muslim communities and their leaders are using the language and teachings of Islam to promote peace and justice and service, and their institutions are continuing to play an essential societal role providing charitable and humanitarian services to those in need; and
WHEREAS we, as elected representatives of the people, have a special responsibility not to stay silent in the face of hate violence and discrimination against any of our constituents or countrymen:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Mayor and the City Council of Chicago stand in condemnation of all hateful speech and violent action directed at Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants and people of color;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF CHICAGO:
categorically rejects political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain power or influence; and
commits to pursuing a policy agenda that affirms civil and human rights, and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion or immigration status can turn to government without fear of recrimination; and
reaffirms the value of a pluralistic society, the beauty of a culture composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable right of every person to live and practice their faith without fear.
